BAGHDAD, Oct 18 ( Reuters ) - Iraqi authorities have called for the arrest of Trade Minister Mohammed Abdul Kareem and his brother following a corruption investigation, judicial spokesman Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar said on Sunday.

Two officials at the trade ministry's legal section said the minister faced charges related to accepting bribes, receiving illegal benefits, and misusing his position.

A year in office, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has taken steps aimed at overhauling a political system which doles out positions along ethnic and sectarian lines, creating powerful patronage networks.